Contradiction with Matthew 5:8
Ecclesiastes 9:3 talks about the evil in human hearts, while Matthew 5:8 speaks about the purity of heart needed to see God, suggesting not all hearts are inherently evil.
Matthew 5:8: Blessed [are] the pure in heart: for they shall see God.
Contradiction with Romans 2:14-15
Ecclesiastes 9:3 implies evil in all hearts, whereas Romans 2:14-15 illustrates that the Gentiles can naturally do the law, showing a form of goodness.
Romans 2:14-15: For when the Gentiles, which have not the law, do by nature the things contained in the law, these, having not the law, are a law unto themselves:
Contradiction with Genesis 1:31
Ecclesiastes 9:3 views human hearts as full of evil, yet Genesis 1:31 declares that God saw all He made, including humanity, as very good.
Genesis 1:31: And God saw every thing that he had made, and, behold, [it was] very good. And the evening and the morning were the sixth day. [And the evening...: Heb. And the evening was, and the morning was etc.]
Contradiction with Luke 6:45
Ecclesiastes 9:3 generalizes the human heart's wickedness, but Luke 6:45 acknowledges that a good person brings good things from the good treasure in their heart.
Luke 6:45: A good man out of the good treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is evil: for of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaketh.
Contradiction with 1 John 3:9
Ecclesiastes 9:3 focuses on wickedness in hearts, while 1 John 3:9 declares that those born of God do not continue in sin, suggesting some hearts can be free of evil.
1 John 3:9: Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God. [is born: or, has been born]
Contradiction with Proverbs 20:27
Ecclesiastes 9:3 speaks of hearts full of evil, whereas Proverbs 20:27 describes the human spirit as the lamp of the Lord, suggesting an element of goodness.
Proverbs 20:27: The spirit of man [is] the candle of the LORD, searching all the inward parts of the belly. [candle: or, lamp]
Contradiction with James 3:9-10
Ecclesiastes 9:3 sees perpetual evil in hearts, but James 3:9-10 shows the contradiction that out of the same mouth can come both good (blessing) and evil (cursing).
James 3:9-10: Therewith bless we God, even the Father; and therewith curse we men, which are made after the similitude of God.
Paradox #1
Ecclesiastes 9:3 highlights the idea that all people, regardless of their actions or character, share the same fate of death. This can seem to contradict the broader biblical theme that righteousness leads to life and wickedness to death. It may create tension with the belief in divine justice, where good and evil deeds are met with corresponding outcomes. The verse emphasizes life's unpredictability and the apparent absence of justice, which can conflict with the overall biblical narrative of moral order and divine oversight.
Paradox #2
Ecclesiastes 9:3 suggests that the same fate—death—awaits everyone, both the righteous and the wicked. This can seem contradictory to other parts of the Bible that imply the righteous are rewarded and the wicked are punished differently. While some passages emphasize moral differences and resulting outcomes, Ecclesiastes focuses on the shared human condition, leading to potential confusion about divine justice and the ultimate fate of individuals.
Paradox #3
Ecclesiastes 9:3 states that the hearts of humans are full of evil and madness during their lives, and then they die. The contradiction could arise when comparing this perspective with other biblical passages that emphasize the goodness or innocence of nature before sin or that describe humans as created in the image of God. This could be seen as inconsistent with the more hopeful or redemptive views of human nature found elsewhere in the Bible, such as in the teachings of Jesus or the writings of Paul, which emphasize love, forgiveness, and transformation.
Paradox #4
Ecclesiastes 9:3 discusses the idea that humans have wickedness and madness in their hearts. A potential contradiction here could be the determinism of human behavior. While the verse suggests inherent wickedness, science often emphasizes how behavior is influenced by a combination of genetics, environment, and personal experiences. This scientific view supports the idea that behavior is shaped and not just innately wicked, suggesting a more complex interaction than the one depicted in the verse as purely negative.
Paradox #5
Ecclesiastes 9:3 suggests that humans all share the same fate and that there is madness in people's hearts during their lives. A possible contradiction here could be the idea of a just and purposeful divine order—if everyone shares the same fate regardless of their actions or moral choices, it might conflict with the belief that people are rewarded or punished based on their behavior. This could lead to questions about the fairness or justice of life events.